National Nurses Week: Celebrating Heroes of Health Care

This week is National Nurses Week, and Planned Parenthood health centers are saying “thank you” to the compassionate and skilled nurses who work every day to keep the women, men, and young people in their communities healthy. Here are highlights on two nurses, one from Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest (PPPSW) and another from Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV).

Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest

When registered nurse Alyssa Dominguez (pictured above) needed care, she traveled more than an hour to get to a Planned Parenthood health center. The Imperial Valley native said she valued the care and privacy from Planned Parenthood providers so much that she was happy to drive to the nearest center for care.

Alyssa has been working with PPPSW's case management team out of their administrative office in San Diego for two months. She works with patients from San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial counties over the telephone to give them critical medical information and advice.

“This is my chance to give back, to pay it forward,” Alyssa said. “I used to be in their shoes, so I understand what they need.”

Alyssa works with six other registered nurses who provide information on a variety of sexual and reproductive health questions, including results on tests for sexually transmitted infections, advice about birth control, and much more. The team also provides referrals and follow-up calls.

“I love my work because I have a big impact on patients’ lives.” Alyssa said. “The most satisfying part of my job is helping our patients understand their health and understand their care.”

Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley

The work of Planned Parenthood health centers' compassionate and highly skilled nurses ensures that the communities they serve get the best care possible, every day — no matter what.

“I love being a nurse at PPPSGV because I believe in providing a safe environment and the best medical care for our patients regardless of beliefs or economic status.” - Carla Ortega

Thank you, once again, to all the wonderful nurses staffing the Planned Parenthood health centers, ensuring that your communities have access to the full range of reproductive health care options, including cancer screenings, birth control, testing and treatment for STDs, and accurate sexual health information.